Spotted Pipsissewa Plant Care
Chimaphila maculata Pursh
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Chimaphila maculata is a small, perennial, evergreen herb native to eastern North America and Central America, from southern Quebec west to Illinois, and south to Florida and Panama.
Every 7–14 days
Partial to full shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Spotted Pipsissewa?
Water Spotted Pipsissewa every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Spotted Pipsissewa Native To?
What Is the Spotted Pipsissewa?
Spotted Pipsissewa (Chimaphila maculata) belongs to the Ericaceae family within the Chimaphila genus. Spotted Pipsissewa is native to eastern North America and Central America, from southern Quebec west to Illinois, and south to Florida and Panama. Spotted Pipsissewa is also known as Striped Pipsissewa, Pipsissewa, Wintergreen.
Spotted Pipsissewa displays a low-growing creeping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Spotted Pipsissewa produces small, waxy, white or pink bell-shaped flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Spotted Pipsissewa?
Chimaphila maculata requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Spotted Pipsissewa Need?
Spotted Pipsissewa thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Spotted Pipsissewa in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Spotted Pipsissewa Prefer?
Chimaphila maculata grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Spotted Pipsissewa prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Spotted Pipsissewa?
Well-draining acidic soil with high organic matter content. Good drainage is essential for Spotted Pipsissewa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Spotted Pipsissewa?
Feed Spotted Pipsissewa every 8 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Spotted Pipsissewa?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Spotted Pipsissewa?
Spotted Pipsissewa can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to little pipsissewa plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Spotted Pipsissewa Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Spotted Pipsissewa, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Spotted Pipsissewa?
Spotted Pipsissewa is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Spotted Pipsissewa Need?
Spotted Pipsissewa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Spotted Pipsissewa is native to eastern North America and Central America, from southern Quebec west to Illinois, and south to Florida and Panama. In cooler regions, grow Spotted Pipsissewa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Spotted Pipsissewa is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Chimaphila genus — compare its care with other Chimaphila species on PlantoScan.
Chimaphila is part of the Ericaceae plant family — browse all Ericaceae genera and species.
Spotted Pipsissewa copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Chimaphila maculata Pursh, family Ericaceae (first published in Fl. Amer. Sept. 1: 300 (1813)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Spotted Pipsissewa, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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